Reed Travel Features
GEORGE TOWN -- The Cayman Islands National Museum has opened a
gallery, which represents the first expansion of the building's
exhibit space since its debut in the Old Court Building in
1990.
The museum is located in a building that dates from 1833 on the
waterfront at Hog St. Bay. In earlier times, the building was used
as a jail, a courthouse and a dance hall.
On view today in the museum are more than 2,000 artifacts
reflecting the island's history and its people.
The first exhibit in the new gallery space was dedicated to the
national symbols of the Cayman Islands, which include the national
bird (the Cayman parrot), the flower (the wild banana orchid) and
tree (the silver thatch palm).
The gallery also includes exhibits that highlight the Cayman
Islands' national flag, song and coat of arms.
Framed specimens of the latest stamp issue feature 12 cultural
symbols of the Cayman Islands.
Displays also honor the late Hon James M. Bodden, a national
hero of the Cayman Islands, and Sybil McLaughlin, the Speaker of
the House.
The museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3
for seniors and students.
The museum shop features a selection of Caymanian items such as
books, crafts and jewelry.
For details, call the National Museum at (345) 949-8368.
Another Caymanian treasure that was recognized recently is
Elmslie Memorial Church in central George Town, built in 1922.
The church recently became the fourth building to be designated
by the National Trust as a building of interest under the Trust's
Historic Plaques' program.
Elmslie was the first concrete block structure constructed on
Grand Cayman and the most elaborate building on the island in the
early 1920s.
The church and its vaulted mahogany ceilings, benches and
platforms illustrate the workmanship of Caymanian carpenters of
that period, who were primarily shipbuilders.
The National Trust introduced its Historic Plaques' program in
March 1995.
Elmslie Memorial joins the Public Library, Town Hall and the
main Post Office in the program. The church is open daily to
visitors.
For more information, call (345) 949-7923.